Young Edinburgh musician uses power of adversity to write his debut album

A young Edinburgh musician has used the experiences and challenges from his life growing up in Oxgangs to create his debut rap album.
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Rory Bruce, known by his stage name RJAB, released the album titled EH13 last month which deals with topics such as mental health, drugs and homelessness.

Rory left home last year following an argument with his parents over financial issues, and found himself living in B&Bs and hostels around the city.

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He struggled during lockdown, but in September received a room at supported accommodation, Hillcrest Futures’ in Oxgangs, which aims to help homeless individuals and enable them to gain independence, skills and confidence to help them move into permanent housing and maintain a tenancy of their own.

21-year-old Rory faced homelessness during lockdown, but has used experiences and emotions to his advantage to create his album21-year-old Rory faced homelessness during lockdown, but has used experiences and emotions to his advantage to create his album
21-year-old Rory faced homelessness during lockdown, but has used experiences and emotions to his advantage to create his album

The 21-year-old said: “If I don’t chase my dreams and become successful then I won’t be able to give back to those who are important to me, so that is the driving force that keeps me going.

“To begin with I wrote my raps based on rhymes, although more recently I have started using my own life and things I’ve been through as the main inspiration.

“I left home last year after an argument with my parents over financial issues I was having. I lived in a couple of B&Bs then stayed in a hostel in the city centre for nine months. I really struggled being away from my support network, especially during lockdown.

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“I used this time to write my album as I find writing really therapeutic. I use any negative emotions I’m feeling to my advantage by creating music with them.

“In September I was over the moon to get a room in Hillcrest Futures’ Oxgangs service as it is a lot closer to my family and friends. The staff there are very friendly and take a real interest in me and my music which I really appreciate. I feel like my life is finally back on track.”

Joy Dunlop, managing director of Hillcrest Futures addeed: “I am absolutely delighted to hear of Rory’s success in creating this album and hope it will be the first of many more productions and an inspiration to others to follow their dreams.

“I’m glad to hear Rory is feeling more positive and the support from staff has helped to build his confidence. The staff at our homelessness services provide vital support for some of the most vulnerable people in society. Day in, day out they are helping to change people’s lives for the better.”

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Rory said: “The past year has been challenging for me and I definitely couldn’t have got through it without having supportive people around me. I’m extremely grateful for all they do for me.”

RJAB’s album EH13 is available to download on Spotify, YouTube Music or Apple Music.

Hillcrest Futures provides support to more than 700 people across Angus,

Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and Perthshire. The charity provides a wide range of services in the areas of physical and learning disabilities, autism, and older people. Further services include supporting positive mental health and wellbeing, homelessness and drug and alcohol recovery.

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